There's one standout 'natural cooling' hack that is easy to do and completely free which will keep homes cool during the heatwave — approved by a British Gas engineer.12:18, 22 Jun 2026With a four-day amber weather warning for extreme heat now in force from today until Thursday, the scorching temperatures will be making their presence felt across large swathes of the UK this week.‌As the mercury continues to soar nationwide, British Gas is offering practical advice to help households stay comfortable during the hot spell, including one clever 'natural cooling' trick that's remarkably simple yet highly effective.‌A British Gas engineer is revealing his top recommendations on how to keep UK homes cool during the heatwave, with one tip standing out due to its ease of use and immediate results.‌Peter Knowles, Service and Repair Engineer at British Gas, explains: "We all know how frustrating it is when our homes are hot and stuffy. The good news is that there are some practical steps that households can take to help keep inside temperatures down during the summer months."How to keep homes cool during the heatwaveCreate natural coolingThose searching for budget-friendly ways to cool their homes need look no further, as this brilliant 'natural cooling' method will make a significant difference without breaking the bank. The best part? The air coming into your home will feel cooler straight away, reports the Express.‌The ingenious heatwave hack couldn't be easier, as Peter explains: "Hanging a damp sheet in front of an open window during evening hours will help to cool incoming air naturally."He adds: "For south and west-facing windows that catch afternoon sun, you could also consider reflective window film to reduce heat and glare."But this isn't the only way homes can be kept cool while temperatures are climbing, as the service and repair engineer shares several more straightforward cooling tricks.‌Peter explains: "Things like doing your washing in the evening, keeping windows closed during the middle of the day or putting your fans on the floor are all small changes that can make a real difference."Switch to cooler lightingTraditional light bulbs generate surprisingly substantial amounts of heat, according to Peter. A 60-watt incandescent bulb can give off roughly 50 watts of heat into a room, while an LED with comparable brightness releases just 1-2 watts, making it well worth considering the switch.‌Smart lightbulbs that can be controlled through a smart home app while you're away from the house are also a brilliant alternative to conventional high heat-producing incandescent lightbulbs.Unplug heat-generating devicesThe engineer adds: "Chargers, laptops and other devices left plugged in release ambient heat even when not actively in use. During a heatwave, multiple devices can contribute to that stuffy indoor feeling, so unplugging what you're not using will help keep rooms that bit cooler."‌Make changes to your batch cooking and washing scheduleOperating ovens, hobs, tumble dryers and washing machines during the coolest parts of the day prevents adding extra heat when temperatures are at their peak, the British Gas engineer explains.He advises: "Batch cook early morning or late evening, air-dry laundry outdoors where possible, and embrace lighter meals that don't require cooking during the hottest hours."Help your fridge run smoothlyPeter explains: "When it's hot outside, your fridge works harder and generates more heat in your kitchen."‌His guidance is straightforward: "Checking the thermostat is set correctly, keeping the coils at the back clean and dust-free, and defrosting regularly will help it run more efficiently, and in turn produce less excess heat."Keep windows closed during the dayWhile it might seem odd, during daylight hours, it's best to keep windows shut to prevent warm air from getting into your home. If you've got light-coloured curtains or blinds made from thicker fabrics, Peter points out that they can effectively block heat when kept drawn.Article continues belowFan positioning mattersThe engineer states: "Place fans at floor level to circulate cooler air rather than pushing warm air around at head height. In the evening, try pointing a fan out of the window to push hot air out. Opening windows at night also creates natural ventilation without needing fans running constantly."Adapt living spaces to the heatPeter advises that draping lightweight, breathable cotton or linen throws over leather sofas can significantly boost comfort levels, especially during warmer spells. Where possible, he also suggests moving activities outside to avoid generating unnecessary heat indoors.